Blade adjusting mechanism for road machines



April 25, 1933- w. G. MORSE ET AL BLADE ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR ROAD MACHINES 5 SheetsHSheet 1 Filed Feb. 6, 1932 April 25, 1 w, cs. MORSE ET AL BLADE ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR ROAD MACHINES 2 f fix v e e l I m k; 4 5 1m m www 90 be "m w 5 h e Filed Feb. 6, 1932 April 2 9 w. e. MORSE ET AL.

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April 25, 933. w. e. MORSE ET AL BLADE ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR RO AD MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 6, 1932 M1 NAIfish QQ QQ 1 i M J April 25, 1933. w. G. MORSE ET AL BLADE ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR ROAD MACHINES Filed Feb. 6, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jig/5%? Patented Apr. 25, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM G. MORSE, OF FLOSSMOOR, AND I FRED 1). WILSON AND HERBERT O. WUESTENBERG, OF HARVEY, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS' TO AUSTIN MANUFACTURING 00., OFCHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A. CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS BLADE ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR ROAD MACHINES Application filed February 6, 1932. Serial No. 591,326.

The present invention relates to road machines, and more in particular to a novel lifting spring adjusting mechanism adapted to assist in adjusting the blade or road working tool laterally of the machine.

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a lifting spring adjusting mechanism for road machines adapted to be operated from the operators station for assisting in retaining the blade or road work ing tool in predetermined adjusted position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a blade adjusting mechanism for adj usting a blade laterally of, or to one side of the machine and retaining the same in such adjusted position until the blade and its operating mechanism is manually adjusted to another position. Modern requirements for road graders necessitate blade movement endwise of the blade on the blade arm or bracket which extends down from the blade carrying circle on road machines.

In operation, it may be found necessary to slide the blade along the arm or bracket until there is considerably more blade on the right or left side, than on the other side. There is then set up in operation, an unbalanced condition operating in opposition to the raising and lowering means, which in prior constructions has not been successfully overcome and has caused a great deal of dissatisfaction. Similarly, it frequently becomes necessary to operate the entire blade at the side of the machine and positioned at an angle to cut a slope or bank alongside of the road bed. In this position, the unbalanced condition becomes extremely great for the reason that not only the entire blade assembly, but a considerable portion of the weight of the blade circle and the frame work controlling the circle is suspended solely on the lifting shaft on that side of the frame, the lifting shaft on the opposite side merely functioning to push the bottom end of the blade outwardly or against the bank or slope, and maintain it in that position. By the present invention, this unbalanced condition is eliminated in that the quick and easy adjustment provided for the lifting springs enables their use to-the best possible advantage under all positions of the blade.

A further object is to provide an equalized spring mechanism adapted to assist'or help shift the blade assembly to anv of its positions of adjustment, and in certain positions of adjustment, retain such assembly in such adjusted position. In the present embodiment, means are provided for operating this spring mechanism in conjunction with the operation of the crank arms for lifting or adjusting the blade assembly.

A still further object is the provision of an adjusting and retaining means for the blade assembly adapted for use in any of the common or conventional-types of road graders, this construction permitting a universal application thereof on new machines as well as on machines already in use or operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel mechanism operating upon the equalizing spring construction upon a shifting of the blade assembly, this construction including gear mechanism which is self-locking, so that upon adjustment thereof by the hand wheel provided therefor, the adjustment cannot be altered except by manual operation.

Further objects are to provide a construe.- tion of maximum simplicity, efliciency, economy, and ease of assembly and operation, and such further objects, advantages and capabilities as will later more fully appear and are inherently possessed thereby. D

The invention further resides in the combination, construction, and arrangements of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while there is shown therein a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification and change, and comprehends other details and constructions, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a broken view in side elevation of the road machine.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the construction disclosed in Fig. 1, but with the blade positioned at an angle opposite to that disclosed in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a View in rear elevation of the road machine.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective of means for shifting the blade carrying frame laterally of the main frame.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the lifting spring adjusting means.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View in side elevation of the lifting spring adjusting means.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross section taken in a plane represented by the line 77 of Fig. 1 disclosing the position -of the blade assembly when operating on a slope.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross section taken in a plane represented by the line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

Referring more particularly to the disclosure in the drawings, the road machine comprises a frame 1 provided with spaced side rails 2 mounted at their forward end upon a truck 3, and at their rear end upon a truck 4. The forward truck includes steering wheels 5 which may be conventional or of the leaning wheel type. The rear truck includes wheels 6 provided with stub shafts mounted on vertical arms 7, the latter being pivotally connected to the rear axle 8 and connecting rod 9, the wheels 6 being made adjustable so as to lean to the vertical, through suitable mechanism 10, the details of which are not disclosed.

The frame 1 is provided with a top plate or member 11 and bottom plate or member 12 suitably connected to the side rails 2, the bottom rail extending to adjacent the rear of the frame. An operators station or platform 13 is pivotally connected at its front end to the opposite side rails 2 and its rear end is mounted upon coil springs 14. In order to shift the frame 1 upon the axle 8, this axle is provided with a rack 15 in engagement with worm and gear mechanism (not disclosed) and adapted to be operated by the handle a.

A draft tongue 16 permits the machine to be attached and hauled by a suitable-source of power. Steering mechanism for the front wheels 5 comprises a steering wheel 17 mounted upon a shaft 18 passing through the frame intermediate the upper and lower plates 11 and 12 of the frame.

Mounted below the main frame 1 is provided a blade carrying frame 19, the front end 20 thereof being mounted upon a vertical pivot pin (not disclosed) for permitting substantial universal movement. Positioned below the frame 19 for rotation thereon, is a blade circle 21 provided on its outer circumference with an annular rack 22 having its teeth in engagement with a pinion 23 mounted upon a vertical shaft 24. Upon the upper end of the shaft 24 is mounted a bevel gear 25 in meshing engagement with a bevel gear 26 upon a shaft 27 adapted to be rotated by a wheel 28. The shaft 27 is provided with a universal joint 29 permitting adjustment of the blade carrying frame and blade to its various positions of adjustment. By reason of this mechanism, the blade carrying circle 21 may be rotated on the frame 19 to present the blade 30 which is carried upon the arms or brackets 31, at various angles laterally of the frame.

In order to shift the blade assembly and frame 19 laterally of the main frame, a tail frame 32 is removably connected to the blade carrying frame 19 and at its rear end is provided with an arm 33 adapted to telescope in sleeves or bearings provided in the frame 32. This arm when moved in either direction, moves the blade carrying frame 19 and blade assembly laterally of the main frame and Within the limits of the rod 34. The enlarged end or casting 35 on the arm 33 is provided with an opening 36 adapted to receive a sleeve 37 slidable on the rod 34 and form a universal connection. Pivotally mounted above the rod 34 is a bar 38 adapted to be rocked about horizontal pivots in the end brackets 39 by means of a handle 40. This bar is provided with suitably spaced slots or notches 41 adapted to receive a rib 42 provided on the upper surface of the casting 35. When the bar 38 is in the position shown in Fig. 4, the rib 42 is in seated engagement in one of the notches and is locked in position whereby the frame 32 and the frame 19 are prevented from shifting laterally. When it is desired to shift the frames 32 and 19 laterally the handle 40 is manually thrown into a position so that the bar 38 is rocked so as to release the rib 42 and permit the frame 32 to be shifted or moved along the rod 34. To accomplish this movement, a cable 43 is connected to the rear of the universal member or casting 35 and passes around sheaves or pulleys 44 and 45, the latter being mounted on a vertical shaft 46 on the top of which is a ratchet mechanism 47 adapted to be operated by means of a handle 48.

In operation, the operator standing upon the ground places his left hand upon the handle 40 and pushes it toward the rear of the machine. This swings the bar 38 in the opposite direction whereby to release the universal casting which is slidable upon the rod 34. Then manipulation of the ratchet mechanism will cause a lateral movement of the tail frame 32 and universal connection. cross wise of the machine. When the tail frame and blade assembly have been moved to their desired adjusted position, the latch bar 38 is again permitted to assume its normal position whereby the rib 42 engages in one of the slots or notches 41 and the mechanism is locked.

When the blade carrying frame 19 and blade assembly are to be adjusted to a position as shown in dotted outline in Fig. 3, or in Fig. 7, the tail frame 32 s disconnected from the the brackets or arms 31 until there is considerably more blade surface extending beyond one arm or bracket than beyond the other. In order to provide a rigid mounting and permit this sliding movement, the blade is shown as provided with a longitudinally extending bar 52 adapted to be received in extensions 53 on the arms or brackets 31.

In order to raise or lower one or both sides of the blade and frame 19, or to shift the blade carrying frame 19 and blade assembly to one side of the frame, this frame 19 is provided with a bracket 54 connected at each side thereof to a telescopic rod or arm 55, the

other end of each rod or arm being connected to a bell crank 56. Each bell crank 56 is mounted upon a shaft 57 operated by a hand wheel 58 through suitable Worm and gear mechanism in the housing 59. Suitably connected to one of the bell cranks is a lifting chain 60, the other end of which is adapted to be pivotally connected to a lug or extension 60 on each end of the bracket 5'4. This chain is made adjustable by means of a turn buckle 61. Whenever the blade assembly is positioned to one side of the machine as shown in dotted outline in Fig. 3, or in full lines in Fig. 7, this lifting chain is snubbed around the lifting shaft 57 whereby to sustain the weight of the parts in order that the blade may not drag on the ground, and assist in retaining the blade assembly in adjusted position.

In order to adjust and retain the blade assembly in an extended position and without undue strain on one or the other of the arms 55 and its respective bell crank and shaft for operating the same, the invention comprehends a novel adjusting mechanism for retaining the blade assembly in its predetermined adjusted position. Upon each blade lift shaft 57 is mounted a crank or cam 62 adapted to rotate with the shaft. A cable 63 having its one end connected to the cam, passes over pulleys 64 and 65 and has its other end connected to an equalizer bar 66 to which is connected a pair of springs 67. The forward end of the springs is connected to another equalizer bar 68 which in turn is connected to one end of a sprocket chain 69 passing around a sprocket 70. The other end of the sprocket chain 69 is then connected to a similar spring construction and equalizer bar, these latter springs being inturn connected to a cable 63 and to a crank or cam 62.

The sprocket 70 is mounted upon a shaft 71 having at its upper end a worm gear 72 (Fig. 8). This worm gear meshes with a worm 73 mounted upon a shaft 74, the worm and worm .gear being housed within a casing 75 having a base 76 mounted upon the top plate 11 of the frame construction. The shaft 74 is connected by means of a universal joint 77 to a shaft 7 8 adapted to be operated by a hand wheel 79. Brackets 80 and 81 provide a mounting for the shaft 78. As clearly set forth in the drawings, the frame 1 provides a housing for the spring, cables and sprocket constructions, as well as for the steering shaft 18.

In the operation of the construction, whenever it is desired to shift the blade laterally of the machine whereby an unbalanced condition is set up in opposition to the raising and lowering means, such unbalanced condition may be neutralized or eliminated by the operation of the novel invention.

Referring more particularlyto Fig. 3 of the drawings, when the blade is in a normal position, it is adjusted as disclosed in full lines, and no unbalanced load exists on the arms or brackets carrying the blade and assembly. When, however, the blade is in a position as disclosed at A; i. e. when the blade is adjusted at an angle to cut a bank on the right hand side of the machine, the rod or arm 55 on the right hand side is substantially horizontal and carries practically all of the load of the blade and assembly, the weight of which frequently is more than a ton.

In order to retain the blade in such operative position without undue strain on the operating parts, the operator rotates the hand wheel 79 so as to rotate the worm 73 and the worm wheel 72 to cause the sprocket 70 to rotate in a direction which increases the spring tension on the right hand lifting shaft 57 which action simultaneously decreases the spring tension on the other side. This is precisely what is required for the proper retention of the blade in the adjusted position for the reason that the weight that is ordinarily used to combat a lifting spring has disappeared from the left hand side and has been greatly increased on the right hand side. If the blade is positioned at the side opposite from that shown in Fig. 3, the operator rotates the hand wheel 79 on that side so as to increase the spring tension on the springs on the left hand side. It will thus be seen that the blade may be adjusted and maintained in any predetermined posltlon without subjecting the arms 55, bell cranks 56 and their operating mechanism to too great a strain. The lifting chain 60 is snubbed around the lifting shaft 57 on whichever side the blade is adjusted. The combination with such a member adds greatly to the strength of the assembly and the ease with which the adjustment may be maintained. Likewise, the introduction of such a member reduces the cost of manufacture.

As clearly disclosed in the drawings, the rods or arms 55 are telescopic, pins or bolts 82 being insertable in spaced openings for retaining the telescoping parts in their adjusted position.

The worm wheel 72 and worm 73 provide a self-locking means whereby the members may not be rotated except by manual operation of the hand wheel 79. Thus the sprocket remains in any position it happens to be left in by the operator. Although two springs are disclosed as attached to each end of the sprocket chain 69 and the cable 63 through the equalizer bars, it is to be understood that a single spring may be attached to each end of the sprocket and cables, or any number of the springs may be employed as desired, the number normally depending upon the weight of the blade assembly and the type of work to which the blade is subjected.

Having thus disclosed the invention,

We claim 1. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and lncluding a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, tension means connected to said shafts and to each other, and means for simultaneously adjusting said tension means.

2. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, an operators station at the rear of the machine. operating mechan1sm for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each s1de of the machine, springs connected to each shaft and together, and means for adusting the tension on said springs from the operators station.

3. In a road machine, a frame therefor provided with an operators station, an adjustable road working tool positioned below said frame, means at the opposite sides of the frame for adjusting said tool from the operators station, tension means associated with each of said adjusting means, and means operable from the operators station for simultaneously adjusting said tension means.

4. In a road machine, a frame therefor provided with an operators station, an adjustable road working tool positioned below said frame means at the opposite sides of the machine foradjusting said tool from the operators station, auxiliary means connecting said adjusting means for tensionally retaining the tool in an adjusted position, and means for adjusting said auxiliary means from the operators station.

5. In a road machine provided with a road working tool, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said tool and including a tool lifting shaft, springs connected to said shaft for retaining the tool in the posi tion to which it has been adjusted by the operating mechanism, and operating mechanism for simultaneously adjusting said springs.

6. In a road machine provided with a road Working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade, said mechanism including an arm at each side of the machine carrying the blade assembly and a blade lifting shaft connected to each arm whereby either or both ends of the blade may be adjusted, spring means associated with each shaft for retaining the blade in its adjusted position, and a single means for simultaneously adjusting said spring means.

7. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, a cable connected to each shaft, a spring construction connected to each of said cables and together, and means for simultaneously adjusting the tension on said spring construction.

8. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, a cable connected to each shaft, springs connected to said cables, and a selflocking means for simultaneously adjusting the tension on said springs.

9. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, a cable connected to each shaft, springs connected to said cables and together, and manually operable means for simultaneously adjusting the tension on said springs.

10. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, a cable connected to each shaft, springs connected at one end to said cables and at their other end joined by a sprocket chain mounted on a sprocket. and a self-locking worm and gear adapted to be operated to rotate said sprocket whereby to simultaneously adjust the tension on said springs, and retain the blade in its adjusted position.

11. In a road machine provided with a road working blade, operating mechanism for adjusting the position of said blade and including a blade lifting shaft at each side of the machine, springs connected to said shafts, and a self-locking worm and gear associated with said springs and adapted to be manually rotated to simultaneously adjust the tension on said springs, and retain the blade in its adjusted position.

12. In a road machine provided with a grader blade, a frame carrying said blade, means for adjusting said blade and frame laterally of the machine and including a lifting shaft, and a liftin chain adapted to be snubbed around said s aft when said blade and frame are in their laterally adjusted position for sustaining the weight of said blade and frame.

13. In a road machine provided with a grader blade, a frame carrying said blade, means for adjusting said blade and frame laterally of the machine and including a liftin shaft, an arm, and a lifting chain connecte to said arm and frame and adapted to be snubbed around said shaft when said blade and frame are in their laterally adjusted position for carrying the vertical load. 14. In a road machine provided with a grader blade assembly, means for adjusting said blade assembly laterally of and to one side of the machine whereby the blade may operate on a bank or slope, said means including a lifting shaft, and a chain adapted to be snubbed around said shaft for carrying the vertical load of said blade assembly when operating in said lateral adjusted position, whereby to prevent the blade assembly from dragging during such operation.

In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names to this specification.

WILLIAM G. MORSE. so FRED 1). WILSON.

HERBERT o. WUESTENBERG. 

